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Death Traps Vs. Gas Guzzlers Split Automakers

Are there any good choices for consumers in the car size debate?

By Gabriel Winant,  Newser User

Posted Apr 21, 2009 11:45 AM CDT

(Newser) – In the push to curb America’s fuel intake, consumers must often make a choice between safety and fuel economy, Joseph White writes in the Wall Street Journal. The real problem, though, may be that small cars have to share the road with SUVs. “A much bigger issue is the incompatibility between truck-based SUVs and cars of any size,” says a researcher.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the research arm of the insurance industry, has long been critical of small cars, and has conducted crash tests showing them being crushed and tossed. The IIHS suggests that instead of cutting back on size—and safety—manufacturers and regulators should focus on making bigger, safer cars that don’t guzzle gas.

In this 2007 file photo, Daimler AG's Smart fortwo micro car is driven on a street in Washington.
In this 2007 file photo, Daimler AG's Smart fortwo micro car is driven on a street in Washington.   (AP Photo)
The Mercedes ML450 Hybrid SUV is introduced at the New York International Auto Show, April 8, 2009.
The Mercedes ML450 Hybrid SUV is introduced at the New York International Auto Show, April 8, 2009.   (AP Photo)
In this July 6, 2008 file photo, a long row of unsold H3's sit at a Hummer dealership in Castle Rock, Colo.
In this July 6, 2008 file photo, a long row of unsold H3's sit at a Hummer dealership in Castle Rock, Colo.   (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, file)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 3 comments
Reader49426878
Apr 21, 2009 10:24 AM CDT
"manufacturers and regulators should focus on making bigger, safer cars that don’t guzzle gas." What a fucking revelation, now how do you suppose we do that?
RobN
Apr 21, 2009 9:41 AM CDT
They make road bikes out of carbon fiber but they have a nasty tendency to snap in half during falls and you have to buy a new frame if something happens, they can't be repaired.
Doctor-Zaius
Apr 21, 2009 4:50 AM CDT
Carbon Fiber bodies that are 3x as strong as steel but weigh 1/3 as much are the answer.
 

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